Sunset Valley Farmers Market

Sunset Valley Farmers Market

Written by Darcie Duttweiler Friday, 13 June 2008

Tucked away at one of the far ends of the Burger Center, a throng of people traverses a cluster of white tents in search of the best peach, squash or empanada.

Every Saturday, rain or shine, the Sunset Valley Farmers Market sets up shop in the 17-acre parking lot to offer Austinites fresh produce and locally made goods.

It is the highest grossing “grower only” farmers market in the state, which means that every product is grown or produced by the vendor and that the jewelry and candles are just as local as the tomatoes.

Founded by Pamela Boyar more than 10 years ago, the market originally began in Westlake with 12 vendors but quickly outgrew its space. In 2004, Boyar and her team moved the market to its current location where it houses 100 vendors or more and grosses $2 million a year in vendor sales.

“Sunset Valley and AISD have been so kind to let us be in their city and use the parking lot at the Burger Center,” Boyar said. “It is a dream come true. Customers can easily park, which is a huge factor in the success of a market. The farmers are grossing more money now that our location is more centrally located.”

The market was named as one of the top five farmers markets in the nation by Eating Well magazine in part because of its successful growers and variety of goods, but also because of its management team.

Husband and wife, Jim Moore and Salila Travers, who also own Aztec Organic Pest Service, now act as onsite market directors since Boyar moved to Hawaii two years ago. They make sure the market runs smoothly and that all the vendors—and customers—are happy.

“We aim to support local industries as well as people in the community by supplying the best food to Southwest Austin,” Travers said.

Besides providing the location for the farmers to sell their produce, the Sunset Valley Farmers Market also promotes what Travers calls “agri-tourism.”

“We make it an experience for the whole family,” she said.

In addition to the 100 vendors selling their goods, children join the fun by jumping on a moonwalk in their “Kidz Korner” and the whole family can relax under the live music tent while enjoying their purchases.

Besides providing fresh foods, the farmers market concept is designed to allow community farms to flourish while also cutting down on the carbon dioxide emissions made from shipping produce across states.

“We believe in offering the highest and healthiest quality products at our market,” Boyar said. “We plan to continue supporting the small family farmer so that they can thrive economically and keep Austin healthy, one family at a time.”

Summer heat’s best bets for fresh produce

• Tomatoes
• Squash
• Potatoes
• Eggplants
• Cucumbers
• Garlic
• Peppers
• Peaches
• Figs
• Melons
• Blueberries
• Grapes

Sunset Valley Farmers Market, 3200 Jones Road, 443-0143